50 Best Movies Based on True Events

“Das Boot” — which translates to “The Boat” — is often considered the best submarine movie of all time. The film is based on a novel written by Lothar-Günther Buchheim. The novel, and film, tell his experiences aboard a German submarine called U-96 during World War II.

This stunning epic, almost four hours long, made stars of Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. O’Toole plays the title role of a British officer who rallies disparate Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film also won seven Oscars, including those for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

Martin Scorsese’s mafia classic “Goodfellas” is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction bestseller “Wiseguy.” The book tells the story of mobster Henry Hill — played by Ray Liotta in the movie — and his criminal associates.

Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Japanese author Akiyuki Nosaka about the privations of World War II in Japan — including the death of Nosaka’s sister from malnutrition — this evocative animated masterpiece has a Tomatometer score of 97% from Rotten Tomatoes. The New York Times considers it “One of the most startling and moving animated films ever.”

Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” tells the true story of German factory owner Oskar Schindler, who saved 1,200 Jews from concentration camps during World War II. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.